How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?

Eligible patients can generally receive:

• Up to 10 individual services in a calendar year ( January to December). You must have a review with your GP after your sixth session to discuss your progress within counselling.
• Additionally, you may also receive up to 10 sessions when part of a group therapy program.
• Once you have reached the maximum number of sessions per calendar year, you would not be eligible for any further Medicare rebates under the Better Access Scheme until the new calendar year.
• Provision will exist for patients to receive additional services where exceptional circumstances arise. These exceptional circumstances will be identified by the referring doctor.

What will it cost me?
Rebates vary slightly depending upon a number of factors. Please discuss with our staff at reception.

How will I pay?
At this practice you will need to pay the full fee for the consultation and then use your receipt to claim a Medicare rebate.

Does the Medicare Safety Net apply to my out of pocket expenses under this initiative?
Yes, you are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare benefit for items under this initiative. However, these out-of-pocket costs will count towards the Medicare Safety Net.

What about my private health insurance?
You cannot use both private health insurance ancillary cover, and the Medicare rebate for these services.

You need to decide whether you will use Medicare, or your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for psychological services you receive. You can either access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process, or claim where available on your insurer’s ancillary benefits.